Dentist Specialties - Which Kind Do You Need?

There are multiple dentist specialties to choose from for patients' oral healthcare needs. Sometimes, a general oral healthcare practitioner will be adequate but other times a more specialized approach may be more beneficial. The knowledge base and expertise of a generalized DDS is typically quite broad but not as deep as that of a specialist. There are some treatments and procedures that family dentists won't do because they lack the training and certification. Here are some different types of oral healthcare practitioners to consider:

- General: The family provider will be able to perform an array of treatments and diagnostics on every member of the family. This is the doc patients typically see every six months for routine cleaning and examinations. Age groups from young children to the elderly can come to this doc for checkups, cleanings, x-rays and exams. Cavities can be filled, teeth can be pulled, gums can be screened for gingivitis and a variety of painful or problematic dental issues can be resolved.

- Cosmetic: The focus of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the smile. This dentist will be able to transform a dingy, crooked, jagged mouthful of teeth to a set of bright, aligned, evenly spaced pearly whites. Some of the techniques include bleaching, bonding, and applying porcelain veneers. Dental implants may be offered by this DDS to permanently attach each false tooth with a titanium screw to the jawbone.

- Orthodontist: Orthodontia is the specialization for the practitioner who straightens misalignments. Devices to do this include traditional metal braces or newer aligners such as Invisalign, which is a set of clear plastic trays that resemble bleaching trays. The Invisalign trays are designed to fit over the crooked teeth and shift them into place. They are quite popular with teens and adults because they are barely noticeable, take less time than traditional braces and can be removed for a couple of hours each day. For those individuals who opt for traditional braces, there are multiple styles available such as clear or colorful devices.

- Pediatric dentists: These professionals tend to the oral healthcare needs of babies through adolescents. Even the youngest tot needs to be paying attention to their emerging teeth, with the help of their parents, of course. Pediatric specialists often have the office furnishings, staff and demeanor to most appropriately meet the needs of kids. Having positive dentistry experiences in early life will impact how these children take care of their teeth and gums throughout life.

- Sedation dentistry: Because so many patients are afraid of having their pearly whites worked on, many sedation techniques are now available to help these nervous Nellies relax. If a person or one of their family members is phobic about climbing into that dental chair, this pro may be the answer.

In addition to the orthodontist, the general, cosmetic, pediatric, and sedation dentist, there are additional specialists a person might need. Oral surgeons perform surgical procedures and endodontists address the root structures beneath the gums. When patients have dentistry issues, there are DDSs that will be right for their needs.